I was amazed to discover
how much I could accomplish
–without a good night’s sleep
or morning quiet time–
when I had to.

Then, help came 
and now
I don’t have to.
I get to rest.

I’ve returned home
to familiar faces, spaces,
and silence. 

You were there,
being my ground when each day jostled.
You are there as the dust settles
and a new way appears. 
You are here now,
as I get to think about myself
and what I’d like to do
for a while.

I liked being “the good daughter,”
appreciated, needed,
yet others can take my place.

It’s been a lot of
planning and changing,
making mistakes and apologizing, 
learning new things and staying in my lane,
adjusting and letting go, 
as I find a new rhythm in this life
that is not my own.

God says he is with us on our journeys.
He says he has been with us since each of our journeys began.
–Frederick Buechner, The Sacred Journey

Credits and References:
“Skipping” by Robert Fairchild. Used with permission.
“Rhythm and Rest” by Esther Hizsa, 2023.
“Bloedcicade” by Sylvia Sassen. Used with permission. 

© Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim, 2023.
The unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without permission from Esther Hizsa is prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used provided there is a link to the original content and credit is given as follows: © Esther Hizsa, An Everyday Pilgrim 2013-2023.  http://www.estherhizsa.com